Positive Patterns vs. Faulty Patterns: The Hidden Threads That Hold Our Health Together…
Positive Patterns vs. Faulty Patterns: The Hidden Threads That Hold Our Health Together…
Let’s start by defining what patterns are? Patterns are repeated ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. They can be habits of thought, behavior, and emotions that shape our daily lives. Some lift us up, move us forward, and align with our goals. While others can completely hold us back and limit our potential.
Some examples of positive patterns include discipline, gratitude, kindness, resilience, and active listening. While faulty patterns may look like procrastination, self-doubt, avoidance, negative self-talk, or repeating the same toxic relationship cycles over and over. The good news is you can shift from faulty patterns that limit you to those that empower you, you don’t have to be stuck continually repeating negative patterns.
Actions you can take to change faulty patterns:
1. Awareness: You Can’t Change What You Don’t See
A lot of our faulty patterns operate on autopilot
You have to ask yourself:
What’s not working in my life right now?
Are there habits or thought loops I keep repeating?
When do I feel most drained, stuck, or frustrated?
Journaling, meditation, or simply pausing in moments of emotional discomfort can help you recognize these patterns as they show up.
2. Interrupt the Pattern
Once you see it, interrupt it. This doesn’t have to be dramatic:
Taking 3 deep breaths when you notice anxiety rising
Saying “stop” (out loud or mentally) when your inner critic kicks in
Going for a quick walk instead of doom scrolling
You are essentially just interrupting the cycle.
3. Identify the Root Belief
Every pattern is build on a belief.
I’m not good enough
If I fail, I’ll be judged
I don’t deserve happiness
Conflict is dangerous
Try to trace your pattern to the belief driving it. Once identified, you can begin to challenge it.
4. Reframe and Replace
You can’t just delete a pattern, you have to replace it.
Choose empowering beliefs and habits to install in place of old ones. Write them down and say them aloud. You can visualize them and practice - Repetition is the key.
Reframing Example:
Faulty Thought: I always mess things up.
Reframe: Sure, I have made mistakes, but I am learning. I can try again.
5. Practice the New Pattern - Be Consistent
The process of rewiring your brain takes time and consistency. You have to start small:
If you want to stop procrastinating, commit to 10 minutes of focused work daily
If you want to build confidence, practice affirmations and small acts of courage
If you want to stop people pleasing, begin saying “no” in low-stakes situations
Remember, each repetition weakens the old neural pathway and strengthens the new one.
6. Be compassionate With Yourself
Always remember change isn’t linear, and you will have slip ups. You may catch yourself halfway through an old pattern, but don’t sweat it. Just continue to practice and move forward with it, after all if it was that easy to reverse it wouldn’t have any value.
7. Surround Yourself With Support
Patterns are often reinforced by environment. If you’re trying to break free from negativity, but everyone around you is stuck in it too - It’s extremely tough!
You may want to start reading books or listening to podcasts that reinforce your new direction, or possibly joining a support group or community. Chances are you are going to have to make some changes to your environment one way or another.
And Always Remember:
Changing patterns is not about perfection, it’s about progress. Every time you choose a new way of thinking, reacting, or behaving, you’re building a more solid foundation for a better future.
Negative patterns that have impacted you in the past don’t have to hold you back in the future- You have the power to change the cycle!